James Whale’s sense of humour is well suited to the early part of the film. Thec entertainment value is greatly enhanced by John P. Fulton’s witty special effects, using piano wires and travelling mattes, which were outstanding for 1933. The film was a big hit, and made rains a star. The critics, too, were impressed. Wells admired the film, but objected to the fact that his hero had been made into a madman.